Mission

The Multi-Ethnic Student Program (MSP) is dedicated to working with student affairs and academic offices to meet the needs of U.S. students of color. MSP was instituted as a response to the educational and socio-economic problems fostered by racism and prejudice in our society. MSP works to ensure a stable, strong, and supportive environment for students of color by providing academic assistance and other quality student support services. These services are designed to improve the opportunities for students of color to participate fully in the life of the University. MSP creates opportunities and partners with other offices, organizations, and committees to aid all university students in becoming interculturally competent.

Hilda Ladner appointed

Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity and Diversity and Director of the Multi-Ethnic Student Program

Functions

• Assist Admissions with the recruitment of talented students of color
• Assist in the adjustment process of students of color to the University through the summer component of the Gateway Program and with orientation sessions for incoming students of color
• Academically advise first year students of color
• Monitor the academic progress of all students of color, intervening and making referrals when needed
• Collaborate with the Academic Assistance Center, the Academic Advising office, and others on designing and implementing retention strategies for students of color
• Design workshops to encourage exceptional students of color to apply for national scholarships
• Collaborate with the Center for International Programs to encourage students of color to study abroad
• Plan and coordinate the Gateway Program and Multi-Ethnic Mentorship Program
• Design and implement cultural and educational activities such as World Touch Cultural Heritage Week
• Collaborate with the Career Center in assisting students of color with career planning, internships, and graduate school information
• Advise and assist student of color organizations with programming and other needs
• Collaborate with ORL, Student Activities and others to ensure that students of color are considered for key student leadership positions on campus (i.e. RA, OGL, etc.)
• Develop policies and procedures for MSP and the use of the Resource Center
• Serve as a resource to the campus on student of color issues
• Work with Alumni Relations in the coordination of the MSP Alumni Association
• Connect our students with the Morris community to improve communication and dialogue